Canon L or non-L for 7D?

[Lkorver]

I've done a ton of research and have narrowed it down to two lenses.

Canon EF-S 17-55/2.8 IS USM $1000.00
or
Canon EF 16-35m/2.8L $1550.00

I like the EF-S because of the IS (I shot lots of run and gun hand held), its got more range on the long end, and it's not as expensive.

I like the L lens because is an L (weather sealed, non-plastic, better resale, better lens), it can be used with both crop and full frame cameras should I move over between cameras, and it's a better investment in glass.

So I'm am torn between the two and wondering if there is anything I am not considering or another lens entirely?

FYI, I did order the kit lens with the 7d and I plan on buying a few prime lenses to fill in any gaps I have . I shoot mainly interviews, music vids, and hand held reality style content.

thanks in advance for any advice!

[ydgmdlu]

If you can afford the L, then why not? Unless you're really trying to save money, and you care about more range in the long end...

[Michael Olsen]

Depending on the way you run and gun, you may definitely miss that IS.

[ydgmdlu]

Depending on the way you run and gun, you may definitely miss that IS.
Right. Definitely forgot about that.

[Lkorver]

Will a DSLR stabilizer like the Merlin make up for the loss in IS? is it really hard to do a rough focus pull while running one of those rigs? I guess if I do any follow cam stuff I should using some sort of stabilizer. the rest of my shooting is basic handheld stylized stuff which I don't think IS would be a factor since I shot most of this with adapters (ois turned off) and it looked fine.

[ydgmdlu]

Will a DSLR stabilizer like the Merlin make up for the loss in IS?
It will do better than lens IS.


is it really hard to do a rough focus pull while running one of those rigs?
You cannot pull focus AT ALL on such a rig, unless you have a wireless follow focus, and unless your lens does internal focusing.


I guess if I do any follow cam stuff I should using some sort of stabilizer. the rest of my shooting is basic handheld stylized stuff which I don't think IS would be a factor since I shot most of this with adapters (ois turned off) and it looked fine.
Consider a low-cost shoulder support like the Spiderbrace (http://www.spiderbrace.com).

[Lkorver]

thanks for the advice..
I think I'll have to wait till the 7d shows up and shoot some run and gun at the local lens shop and see if i can pull it off with the non IS L lens.

[Michael Olsen]

thanks for the advice..
I think I'll have to wait till the 7d shows up and shoot some run and gun at the local lens shop and see if i can pull it off with the non IS L lens.

Always always always the best choice! :beer:

[USLatin]

The 17-55mm is as good as an L in terms of optical quality. The focal range is also very good! I would check out the focus ring in person and if it is good enough for you get that one.

The 24-70's focus ring is fantastic. You might find the same to be true about the 16-35mm zoom.

With the 16-35mm and a 50mm and an 85mm you would be in great shape.

Check them out in person.


thanks for the advice..
I think I'll have to wait till the 7d shows up and shoot some run and gun at the local lens shop and see if i can pull it off with the non IS L lens.

I think this is a bad idea if you are considering top shelf lenses. I would save the money.

you can buy the other lens from a place where you can get a refund instead.

[Michael Olsen]

I think this is a bad idea if you are considering top shelf lenses. I would save the money.

you can buy the other lens from a place where you can get a refund instead.

He doesn't have to buy the lens from the store...just give it a try!

[NoahK]

If we're talking for video and you don't want to be on a tripod constantly, the IS is key.

Noah

[USLatin]

He doesn't have to buy the lens from the store...just give it a try!

Sure. Whatever he prefers. 100% refunds are nice too, especially if you are looking at a lens that you'd be stuck with for a long time.

[xbourque]

that you'd be stuck with for a long time.

Seriously though, unless he buys *really* low end stuff, most lenses hold their resale value pretty well, even EF-S and the more popular Sigmas, Tokinas and Tamrons.

The exception is probably the kit lenses that come with lower-end bodies.

My suggestion though if you are truely unsure about what to buy: rent first, buy later.

--X

[USLatin]

Going to the store works well too though. But you need to know exactly what to look for and have a good idea of your needs.

We are obviously in agreement.

[cjwolff]

That 16-35L is a beast, I want one.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/16-35.shtml

[USLatin]

I actually think the Tokina is a FAR better buy for APS-C, unless you need a versatile wide zoom for full frame. And keep in mind that the Tokina works as a 15-16mm in FF. And much cheaper! And should be a very decent combination with a ~24+ zoom. The 16-35 also has white a bit of distortion at 16mm, but on a FF sensor 16mm is a bit wider than 11mm on an APS-C.

[cjwolff]

Which Tokina are you referring to USLatin?

[TimurCivan]

cant go wrong with L.
But EF glass is VERY good. CAnon doesnt make "Bad glass". I have a tough time finding flaw with their standard Gold Ring glass. i compared the 85mm 1.2L and the 85 1.8 EF, and the EF stood up VERY well, a bit softer wide open but thats about it. maybe a TOUCH less CA. Of course the 1.2 was faster.... not with 1,000$ to me...

[USLatin]

The one, the only... Behold: The Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 (http://www.kenrockwell.com/tokina/11-16mm.htm) - $600.- (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554035-REG/Tokina_ATX116PRODXC_11_16mm_f_2_8_AT_X_116.html)

:)

[cjwolff]

Looks nice USLatin. If you were stranded on a desert isle and could bring only one $600 lens, this would be your choice?

[USLatin]

I'd probably bring $600 worth of Rum. I dunno... do I want to shoot nothing but wides if I am alone? That is far too existential to answer quickly. :) It might be hard to beat this sort of value at $600.- but your question asks a lot more than that.

I think that if you had a good fast 24mm or 28mm, and whatever else you feel you need longer than that, then this Tokina would rock the house (especially the interior!).

But the best all-around, one-lens-band, "bargain" for APS-C might be the 17-55mm f/2.8 - $1,000.-

[cjwolff]

I'd probably bring $600 worth of Rum. I dunno... do I want to shoot nothing but wides if I am alone? That is far too existential to answer quickly. :) It might be hard to beat this sort of value at $600.- but your question asks a lot more than that.

I think that if you had a good fast 24mm or 28mm, and whatever else you feel you need longer than that, then this Tokina would rock the house (especially the interior!).

I hear ya amigo. This lens combined with a 35 or 50 1.4 might not be a bad starter kit. I found a 7d body on the shelf in Phoenix tonight so now its time to consider an investment in glass.

[Stephen Mick]

I've got the 17-55mm f2.8 lens on my 7D right now. It's a great combination, and one I think I'll be more than happy with.

But I wouldn't call it a bargain. Ouch.

-SM


I'd probably bring $600 worth of Rum. I dunno... do I want to shoot nothing but wides if I am alone? That is far too existential to answer quickly. :) It might be hard to beat this sort of value at $600.- but your question asks a lot more than that.

I think that if you had a good fast 24mm or 28mm, and whatever else you feel you need longer than that, then this Tokina would rock the house (especially the interior!).

But the best all-around, one-lens-band, "bargain" for APS-C might be the 17-55mm f/2.8 - $1,000.-

[FatDaddy]

I wanted to stay away from $1k for an EF-S lens, but need/want speed and IS in an acceptable focal range. Seems like the 17-55 2.8 EF-S is about the only option until the Tamron 17-50 2.8 IS comes out for Canon cameras.

[USLatin]

Considering the focal range is just about perfect for an APS-C,and the optical quality is L-grade which means you can shoot stills wide open through the range without any real concern for quality, I think it is very much so a bargain! Bargains don't have to be affordable, just have to be a good bang for your buck. That is some VERY well spent cash IMO. I debated long and hard before going with the 24-70, but only because I am also getting the Tokina.

The only real downside of the 17-55mm is that it isn't full frame, which forces you to sell it or rent glass if you intend to shoot with a 5D along side your 7D, want to shoot stills on some other FF camera, etc.

Consider you will be able to shoot practically anything with a good 18mm, a 28mm or 35mm and a 50mm. You get a bit more on either end, all at f/2.8, and every step in between. No need to swap lenses either so prefect for run and gun. So while I agree, $1,000 is a lot of cash, I think that is a whole lotta rosie for your money.

The only thing I never got to checking out was the focus ring. Could you please describe it for us?

[Stephen Mick]

The focus ring feels good, not great, but solid. It rolls nicely, from 12 o'clock at close focus to 3 o'clock at infinity. Locking solid focus is super-easy with the magnification (5x or 10x) right at your right thumb.

-SM

[Craig Zarkos]

Does anyone offer rentals, in which case the rental fees, or portion thereof go towards purchase price on a new lens?

just wondering.

cz

[FatDaddy]

Does anyone offer rentals, in which case the rental fees, or portion thereof go towards purchase price on a new lens?

just wondering.

cz

My local Penn Camera store will. I think it is half of the rental can go towards a new one. Not sure how much $ they will allow. The online places will not (as far as I know).

[dvollrath]

As an alternative to the Tokina, you might want to consider Sigma's 14mm f/2.8 super wide. I'm planning on getting that and their 24-70 f/2.8 HSM to start off with. Just wish the 24-70 had IS.